Flights out of Philly for $49! Should I convince my sister to fly??

[always quiet]

They have a trip scheduled for mid Sept. I just saw that flights out of Philly for her time frame are $49! There are only 2 of them going, they aren't visiting any outside parks (like Sea World) and were planning on driving and staying one night in a hotel on the way down and back. They wouldn't need a rental car once they arrive. Personally, I can not see how driving would be any cheaper than flying (especially with the 8 cyn engine her car has!!). If I can convince her to fly, what does she (or should I say "I") need to do for her to use the DME?? Do you have to book your flight through Disney........would that change her price of $49 on SWA?

Thanks for any info!

 

[beccasmom]

Flights do not need to be booked any differently to use DME. SWA is not a “participating” airline, but that does not matter. We used non-participating USAirways in June and used DME with no problems.

Once she books her flight, she should call the DME number and give them her travel itinerary (airline, flight number, time of arrival and resort name). I believe DME needs 10-days notice. They will send her more information and special luggage tags that she should use for her luggage (except carry-ons). The packet should arrive about a week before departure, but they’ve been arriving late sometimes (they are sent by express mail). Even without tags, using DME is simple as long as they have your name on their list, so do not worry if the tags do not arrive on time. Once they arrive, she should check in with the DME folks (who are easy to find at the airport). DME will transport her luggage to her resort. She and her group will also be transported (separately). Our luggage arrived before we did, as we took a voluntary bump and arrived later than planned. Luggage usually makes it to the resort within 2-4 hours from what I’ve been hearing. My suggesting is to pack a change of clothes/swimsuit in the carryon to tide you over until your luggage arrives at the resort.

The only difference using a non-participating airline is that she will be responsible for bringing her luggage to the DME bus for her return home. With participating airlines, her luggage would be transported to the bus for her. It’s not that big of a difference, really.

 

[degirl]

Those great rates made up our mind to fly rather than drive this Sept. It is costing us 116.90 per person including all taxes. We decided that it is much cheaper because you figure you will have to fill up your car at least 3 times maybe more( $$$ for gas) and you would at least spend 60.00 on a hotel room and then have to spend the same amount coming home. Not to mention that we will be at WDW in less than 3 hours versues 16 hours and you will have extra days to spend at WDW That itself is a good thing . Hope you can convince her to fly!